Mark Cannizzaro The complicated side of the Mauricio Pochettino question after USMNT’s ugly World Cup exit By Mark Cannizzaro Published July 7, 2026, 7:31 p.m. ET Pochettino looks dejected after the match following his team's elimination from the World Cup IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters It was, of course, too soon.
The wounds — emotional and physical — were still raw. Eyes were still red — a byproduct of anger, shock and sadness from a loss no one expected to absorb, certainly not the way it went down.
In the immediate aftermath of the demoralizing 4-1 loss to Belgium by the U.S. in the World Cup Round of 16 Monday night at Seattle Stadium — and the stunning way it unfolded — Mauricio Pochettino was not ready to declare, or even discuss, his future as the U.S. manager.
Naturally, he was asked after the match if he planned — or wanted to — remain the leader of team for the upcoming four-year cycle entering the 2030 World Cup.
